You are just learning to cook, you want to make your everyday cooking easier, or you simply want to build your confidence in the kitchen.

You are comfortable with the essentials of cooking, such as knife skills and basic cooking techniques, and you want to broaden the types of dishes that you prepare.

You are an adventurous home cook anxious to learn impressive new dishes and advanced cooking techniques. You are a true epicurean.

Quinoa with Peppers and Onions

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a grain that is delicious, slightly nutty in flavor and loaded with protein. And it's gluten free! Add avocado slices on top and whole wheat pita for a complete vegetarian meal.

Serves 4 as a main

Directions

Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, or until the onion and peppers begin to soften but not brown.

Add the quinoa and water to the saucepan. Stir well and bring the water to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes and then add the corn.

Continue simmering the mixture for 2 or 3 more minutes or until all water has been absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through. (When cooked, quinoa will have a translucent center with a white ring around the outside of each grain.)

Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the cheese (if using) and cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Excellent! Served it at a dinner party and people raved about it!

Submitted by abloom@cheqnet.net from Park City Utah, September 2, 2013